Perhaps some of the harsh ingredients being used are causing conditions like rosacea to flare up, or you are allergic or overly sensitive to some of the ingredients. This can cause redness, itching, hives, burning, and many other negative effects. The information in this eBook is going to guide you through the process of switching to a more natural skincare approach. This includes: Understanding why you should switch to a natural skincare routine. Learning what helps with natural and anti-aging. Taking care of your body skin and cracked heels. Learning about dietary changes that can help with your skin.

Making your own skincare products with essential oils and other natural ingredients. Avoiding the toxic chemicals found in many over-the-counter skincare products. … and more! Keep reading to learn all about natural skincare and how it can transform your skin.

Perhaps you are using products that are just a little too harsh for your ultra-sensitive skin, or you have a condition like rosacea or eczema where natural is always better. What Going Natural Means So, what does going natural with your skincare products and treatments mean? It just means choosing more organic, plant-based ingredients as much as you can.

Not drinking enough water every day can drastically impact your skin, and not in a good way. The amount of water you need to drink often varies based on where you read about it. Some experts recommend drinking half your body weight in ounces, while others tell you to aim for at least 8 glasses a day. This is really a personal preference and based on how much water you think you need. Naturally, if you are sweating a lot or need to flush out toxins, more water is best. However, if you feel like you are sloshing around because you are doing nothing but drinking gallons a day, it is probably a little too much for you.

When you smoke on a regular basis, it often speeds up the aging process, so the best thing you can do for your skin is start cutting back now. Talk to your doctor if you need help quitting, as there are many options available. Get Regular Exercise Another good lifestyle habit that can do wonders for your skin and overall anti-aging is to move your body and get the blood flowing. Regularly exercising and keeping a record of your weight can prevent you from developing chronic health conditions and aging skin. If you exercise every day you can help reduce your symptoms of skin aging, according to Research from McMaster University in Canada. Set aside half an hour every day to go for a run, do yoga, or head to the gym for a workout.

Even on days when you’re too busy to make it to the gym, you can always take the dog out for a longer walk in the evening or do some simple yoga in your bedroom when you wake up in the morning. There are a lot of fun and easy ways to sneak in more exercise during the day. Reduce Your Sugar Intake According to a 2010 study, researchers found a direct link between dietary sugars and advanced glycation end products. This means that if you consume more sugar, you're at a higher risk of heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. Although if you

If you aren’t sure about the exact amount to have each day, talk to your doctor or a nutritional therapist for recommendations. Lower Your Stress Stressful settings can take a serious toll on your mental and physical health. However, keep in mind that stress affects everyone differently. In fact, recent research studies have found that stress can impact people at the cellular level. Certain types of psychological stress can even wear down a person's body, such as their skin, and make it age quicker than most. However, you can prevent this from happening to you by destressing your life using yoga and meditation. Some easy stress relief methods include: • Getting more exercise during the day, especially relaxing activities like yoga • Writing in a journal on a daily basis • Spending time with friends and loved ones • Using essential oils in a diffuser to relax

Eat Less Salt There's no doubt that foods high in sodium make you retain more water, but leave you feeling bloated. At the same time, salty foods can make your face look puffier than normal, especially under your eyes. To prevent this from happening, you should work on eating less food with salt in it, and instead use lemon, chili peppers, fresh herbs, etc. • To season food, choose spices and herbs instead of excessive salt • Avoid processed or frozen foods as they often are loaded with sodium • Don’t use canned food unless it has a low amount of sodium Wear Sunscreen Putting on sunscreen every day is one of the best anti-aging tricks there is. One study from 2013 found that people who wore sunblock at least three or four days a week exhibited fewer signs of aging four and a half years later than those who didn't wear sunscreen.

Continued exposure to the sun can lead to wrinkles and discoloration in the form of dark spots on your face and hands. Even daily UV rays you come into contact with can damage your skin and cause you to age faster. Sunscreen isn't just for the beach; it should be a part of your everyday routine.

Wash Your Face Before Bed Washing your face before you go to sleep is crucial for the health of your skin. You must wash off all of the makeup, dirt, and oils that have gathered on your face throughout the day. In fact, falling to wash your face at the end of the night actually inhibits your skin's ability to regenerate overnight. Plus, you won't wake up with clogged pores. Make sure you choose your face products wisely, looking more for products with natural ingredients instead of toxic and harsh chemicals. Always read the label when choosing a face cleanser.

Get a Good Night's Sleep Sleep is an essential and often overlooked part of your regular skincare routine. It is so incredibly important because it helps the body and the skin to regenerate. Getting the recommended eight hours of sleep every night will help your skin cells rebuild. Plus, it will also prevent dark under-eye circles. Everyone wants to look younger but few people are willing to put in the effort. With a few lifestyle changes and a better diet, you can continue to look young for a long time to come. By taking advantage of the tips above, you can prevent the signs of aging naturally. From your skin to your teeth, you will be looking younger in no time at all.

If you want to keep your skin healthy and looking good for as long as possible, you will need to focus on what you eat. Below is a look at some of the factors in the relationship between diet and skin health. Good Vs Bad Fats Fat is an important part of your diet and is crucial for good skin health. Your body uses fat as a waterproof seal and there are healthy fats that help to improve the health of your skin.

Vitamins Vitamin C is essential for healthy skin, as are vitamins D and E. Vitamin C and vitamin E work together to prevent damage to skin cells that can come with exposure to the sun. In addition to that, your skin's structure depends on a protein called collagen. Vitamin C helps your body to produce collagen. Another important benefit is that it also helps to support your immune system. A robust immune system can speed up the healing process for blemishes. Vitamin D is important for controlling how cells in the deep layers of your skin grow and also helps to prevent sun damage.

Too little vitamin C in your diet can cause scurvy, which has skin lesions as one of the symptoms. If levels of vitamin D in your diet are low, your skin can become highly susceptible to sun damage. To get adequate vitamin C, you will need to add a sufficient quantity of fruits and vegetables to your diet. Exposing your skin to sunlight and taking supplements are the two best ways to get vitamin D Minerals Being deficient in certain minerals can also have negative effects on your skin. Consider the fact that zinc is important for skin pigmentation and that selenium is important for protection from sun damage. Deficiency in zinc can result in abnormal pigmentation and may even cause skin lesions in some cases. A selenium deficiency can increase your risk of skin cancer from sun exposure and may stop the normal

While genetics may play a role in the healthy skin, the research has also shown that members of these populations who move to areas where western-style diets are consumed do develop acne. Dairy Research has shown that the consuming dairy increases the extent of an acne outbreak as well as its severity. The reason that dairy is so bad is that it is full of hormones like testosterone and insulin, the same hormones that processed foods are believed to trigger. Consuming dairy can increase insulin by as much as 300 percent.

Hydration Like the other cells in your body, skin cells consist mostly of water. Insufficient hydration will result in your skin cells not performing properly. Among water's benefits is the fact that it increases the blood flow of capillaries in the skin thus increasing the skin’s elasticity. While there is no evidence to support the notion that extra water consumption increases skin health, the research does show that insufficient hydration can detract from it. What is going on the outside of your body directly reflects what is happening on the inside. Eating a diet with natural foods and staying hydrated will ensure healthy skin, but a diet full of processed foods will deprive your skin of the nutrients and hormonal stability needed for optimal health.

This is not only going to allow you to use the most natural ingredients possible, but you can save money making your own skin care products, and you have the bonus of customising the products for your skin. You can make everything from toners to lotions to scrubs. Also, so as to not forget the gentlemen, you can also make beard oils that will tame unruly beard hair while also hydrating the skin underneath so that ingrown hairs become less common.

Toners Toners are great for removing excess soap and makeup and balancing skin. They also leave facial skin feeling velvety soft. Witch hazel is one ingredient that is often used in toners, especially toners for people with oily or blemish-prone skin. Many toner recipes for skin that is dry or aging opt away from witch hazel and are made solely from essential oils that are suited to dry or aging skin types. Serums Serums help brighten and moisturise the skin and decrease dark circles under the eyes. Generally speaking, a carrier oil, such as jojoba oil, is used as the base of the serum, and then essential oils are added in according to the needs of your skin. For instance, a person who is interested in staving off wrinkles but also has dry skin might add small amounts of rose oil and chamomile to jojoba oil to make their serum.

Eucalyptus is an essential oil that is antiseptic and can treat acne. It also has a clean, fresh scent that isn't too feminine. Sandalwood is another scent that has a woodsy, masculine scent. It's great in a beard oil because it is moisturising. Another essential oil that works great for men is lemon oil. This particular oil is great for oily skin as it evens out oil production. Lip Balms Lip balms are another skincare product that almost anyone can benefit from sometimes. Common ingredients are beeswax, shea butter, coconut oil, lavender oil, and peppermint oil. You can also add in a pigmentation such as beet juice if you would like to have a tint that can substitute for lipstick. Natural recipes are often preferred by people because it's very common to accidentally ingest products that we put on our mouths.

Essential oils not only help improve the quality of your skin without harsh chemicals, but they also, oftentimes, smell great. While you shouldn't choose your essential oils based solely on the fragrance, there are many options available for whatever skin issues that you are trying to regulate, so you are sure to find something that not only works great, but is also pleasing to you.

It can be great to get a pedicure and foot treatment at your local spa, but why not try healing your cracked heels at home? Here are some natural remedies that work great: Penetrating Oil The cracked heel phenomena or condition does not happen overnight. It is the result of ignoring the skin on your heels, even though it was dry. Now, there are a number of reasons why this could have happened like wearing open-back shoes or dehydration, but the result is the same. Layers of severely dry skin have finally cracked under pressure. You need to use something that can penetrate the layers like coconut oil, organic tallow, or other organic oils. Wash your feet, pat them dry, use a pumice stone to exfoliate, and apply the oil. Put on clean socks to leave the oil on overnight and repeat these steps for a few days.

Gentle Exfoliation Those with layers of dead skin may want to consider exfoliating. Sure, using the pumice stone works, but it may not be enough when the problem is extensive. You may need a specialised exfoliating solution to help deal with your specific foot

Leafy Aid Cracked feet come in many forms depending on their severity. There are some that just have mild cracks and discomfort while others have severe symptoms like infections or itchiness. It is important to apply a more poignant solution when your cracked feet are this severe, like this leafy solution. What you want to do is get your hands on a handful of Indian lilac, which is also known as margosa or neem leaves. Crush the leaves until you make a paste, adding a teaspoon of turmeric powder. Blend well, and apply it to the affected areas. Do not remove until 30 minutes have passed, and then just clean your feet and pat dry. The reason you are using this is because neem naturally soothes and effectively kills fungus.

Lemony Softness Lemons are known for their natural acidic properties, which is helpful for your cracked heels. The acidic active ingredients in lemon should help soften the skin given enough time. Now, you should not apply the lemon directly but rather dilute it so that it is not too aggressive. What you want to do is mix lemon juice from one lemon into enough water to soak your feet. Again, you want to use lukewarm water. You do not want to use hot water, which could exasperate dryness. Let your feet soak in the water

You should simply mix both of these solutions in equal parts and apply to your clean feet. Make sure you let the blend stay on your feet overnight, so wear a clean sock or a moisture-trapping wrap around your feet. Do this a number of times until the condition gets better. Soothing Wax Those dealing with cracked heels that are so severe it has become painful may want to consider using the paraffin wax treatment. Preparation is a little more time consuming, but it really does provide relief now. What you are essentially doing is using the wax to create an emollient that should help treat the skin's condition pretty quickly. What you want to do is use a double boiler to melt a block of paraffin wax. Add two tablespoons of natural oil into the wax like coconut oil. You already know just how effective oil can be, but this treatment should intensify the oil's benefits. Turn off the fire once the wax has melted and wait to see a thin layer on top of the mix, which should indicate that it is cool enough to dip your heel into it.

Before you assume the only way to care for your skin is through the use of expensive products, here are a few of the simplest, most natural ways to care for your skin all over your body. You can do it at home, and you can live a healthier, more beautiful life. Natural Skincare for Your Entire Body Before delving into the specifics of caring for each individual body part, it’s imperative you learn what you can do naturally at home to improve your skin as a whole. The most important thing you can do is drink more water. Your body is comprised of mostly water, and you must replenish it daily. The more water you drink, the healthier your skin looks.

Natural Skincare for Your Face Did you know you can wash your face with Apple Cider Vinegar a few times a week to help your skin look clearer and more beautiful? All you need to do is use it as a natural cleaning agent by dipping a cotton ball into apple cider vinegar and wiping it on your face. Be sure you do not get this in your eyes, but try to clean your entire face with it. It’s all natural, it’s safe, and it’s going to clear breakouts and improve the overall look of your skin. Natural Skincare for Your Arms and Hands One of the most tell-tale signs of age is the skin on your hands. The skin on the backs of your hands is similar to the skin on your face, only most people forget to care for the skin on their hands as well as they do the skin on their face. This means your face looks younger, but your hands give you away immediately as being older than you look.

Natural Skincare for Your Legs and Feet Your legs and feet take the brunt of the damage you do. They’re the body parts getting the most sun, and they’re the body parts that end up more damaged than any other part. Think of all the beautiful shoes you wear that leave blisters and marks on your feet. That’s damage to your skin even if it’s not something you think of often. Your legs will thank you for using a very simple homemade skincare routine on them every day. All you need is a little coconut oil. Rub it on your legs every time you get out of the shower. This is your new moisturizer, and it’s one of the best ways to combat dry skin and damaged skin on your legs.

As for your feet, the most important thing you can do is prevent cracking and dryness. Cracked skin seems natural when your skin is calloused and dry, but it’s not natural. Your skin shouldn’t get to this point, but it does when you’re not spending enough time caring for the skin on your feet. A pumice stone is a great way to combat this problem. To help exceedingly dry feet, you should douse them in olive oil and wear heavy socks to bed a few times a month. This helps set in moisture naturally, and it causes that dry, uncomfortable skin to look and feel smoother and better. The best way to determine if you’re spending enough time on your skincare routine is to check your photos. If you take a photo of yourself and find you don’t want to post it on any social media platform because your feet look so dry even though you have an amazing new pedicure or your face looks dry, it’s time to take better care of your skin. You must see your dermatologist every year, but you can use many skincare routines at home without spending a fortune in the meantime. Simple beauty routines are the best beauty routines, and your skin will thank you for the natural skincare you implement daily. Start with these tips and maximize your good looks and beautiful skin. Drink your water, care for your skin with natural remedies as often as possible, and enjoy the benefits they provide as you begin to age more gracefully.

What consumers may not realise is that any product that is rubbed on the skin is absorbed into the bloodstream. In other words, if you rub a lotion or cream on your skin, it is the same as eating it. In this industry that is largely unregulated for practical purposes, consumers are forced to fend for themselves. The best way shoppers can protect themselves is to read the ingredients list and then make an informed purchasing decision. Unfortunately, deceptive labelling

Listed below are some of the worst offenders. 1. Antibacterial Soaps and Cleansers Specifically, triclosan and triclocarban are two dangerous ingredients to avoid in antibacterial soaps. Health conscious consumers might be well advised to elect to skip antibacterial cleaners altogether since the benefits of using them over soap and water are negligible at best and not worth the added risks. Hot water or simple hand soap is the recommended alternative. 2. Parabens Parabens are used because they add to the shelf life of products, acting as a preservative by preventing the growth of bacteria and fungi. It is noteworthy that research has found parabens present in breast cancer tissue. Skin allergies are also common. When trying to identify parabens, the prefixes propyl, methyl and butyl are tip offs. To be on the safe side, it is always a good idea to look for and buy paraben-free products.

3. Propylene Glycol This ingredient is tied to liver and kidney health problems. Additionally, it is considered an allergen. It is no surprise that this chemical compound is dangerous when you consider its other use as a plane de-icing agent.

6. Fragrances Consumers should shop for fragrance-free products to avoid some of the nasty symptoms commonly connected to these (parfum) additives. Headaches and rashes are two frequent unpleasant side effects. Vomiting and dizziness have also been reported and associated with those manufactured smells the chemists work so hard to add to beauty products. 7. Phthalates When purchasing lotion, this chemical is often one of the ingredients you’ll find. If you see phthalates as an ingredient, beware. They are tied to serious health issues that include liver and kidney damage. Phthalates are also linked to cancer and lung damage.

8. DEA and TEA These two compounds are particularly dangerous and should be avoided whenever possible. Found in body wash and soaps, a few of the more minor problems consumers can expect include dry skin and hair. Eye irritations have also been reported. The problems only get more serious from there. Commonly used in moisturisers, these ingredients are believed to cause organ damage, specifically in the liver and kidneys. The use of these chemicals is also believed to contribute to an increased risk of cancer. Not surprisingly, the negative impact of DEA and TEA is not limited to humans, and has also been linked to wildlife and fish contamination.

11. Petrolatum As the name suggests, this is a petroleum product. It is found in many moisturisers. The problem with this chemical is that it is linked to a higher risk of cancer, so avoid it. While this list is by no means exhaustive, it represents the most frequently used chemicals that health-conscious consumers need to eliminate from their skincare products. Since beauty and health related products are not as highly regulated as is necessary to truly protect the public, the burden of keeping families safe rests largely on the consumer’s shoulders when selecting skincare products. The more ingredients listed, the more likely the exposure to one of these toxic chemicals. Considering the sheer number of chemicals the average person is exposed to on a daily basis, anything a consumer can do to eliminate toxins that enter the body makes sense.

Armed with knowledge, consumers are positioned to proactively purchase skincare products that will enhance their life and health with no associated risks.

Coconut Oil Coconut is one of the most useful skin care products available. It has all kinds of uses and is great for the skin. Coconut oil is great for cleaning your skin, moisturising it, and even removing makeup. It can be used on the skin and in the hair for numerous benefits. Not only is it great for your skin, it's great when consumed as well. The healthy fats and anti-inflammatory properties of coconut oil make it great for improving your immune system and digestive system. Due to all the wide range of benefits that coconut oil provides, it is at the top of the list as far as skin care products go.

Avocado also has Vitamins E and C which act together to protect and heal the skin. Along with Coconut Oil, Avocado is good for consuming as well. Eating Avocado can help your skin just as products with Avocado in them can. It has fatty acids which help your skin look younger and healthier. Avocado also has moisturising properties which are necessary for healing dry or cracked skin.

Simply wet your face and apply a little dab of honey. Continue by massaging your face like you would any other cleanser product. After you wash it off, your skin will be smooth, hydrated, and protected from bacteria. The water will also ensure that you won't make a sticky mess in the process. All in all, honey is great for your skin whether you use it topically or if you eat it. Topically might be the best choice though, as the large amounts of sugar found in honey could lead to breakouts. Sea Salt Sea Salt is very useful for healthy skin, hair, teeth, and even nails! When it comes to skincare specifically, there are many reasons why sea salt is beneficial. One of the biggest reasons is because sea salt is filled with minerals like magnesium and calcium. Many of the minerals found in sea salt play a key role on the skin and its overall health.

There are many ways to use sea salt for your skin. You can use it as a mask by mixing it with honey. You can use it as a toner as well. Sea salt helps regulate the production of oil and bacteria on the skin which can fend off breakouts. Another way to use sea salt is as a facial scrub.

Aloe Vera has powerful moisturising and healing abilities when it comes to the skin. Many people find that this is one of the best remedies for treating a sunburn. It turns out that there are many other practical uses for Aloe Vera as well. Among those are treating acne, fighting aging, and reduced stretch marks. Aloe Vera contains strong anti-inflammatory ingredients like Auxin and Gibberellins which fight acne. It also contains vitamins and antioxidants which are great for reducing the signs of aging and stretch marks.

Jojoba Oil Jojoba Oil is the last natural skincare product that we will cover in this list. The oil derived from the nut of an indigenous American shrub is essentially a liquefied wax. Jojoba Oil is unusual compared to many other products because it works differently. When your face or skin gets dry, it produces sebum which is an oil. This process is the cause of most acne because it often clogs pores. Jojoba Oil acts as a natural sebum and therefore prevents your skin from needing to produce as much. In the end, Jojoba Oil can help prevent acne, control oily skin, and helped heal cracked skin around your body.

The skin is the body's biggest organ and easily absorbs anything put onto it, including any toxins such as parabens, synthetic fragrances, and dyes. One of the easiest ways to ensure that your skin doesn't become a hotbed of toxins is to use as many natural options as possible. And throughout the seasons, the skin requires different ways of taking care of it for it to operate in peak condition.

More time in the sun will mean that your skin will also benefit from increasing the amount of antioxidants in your diet. Antioxidants work to reverse the signs of sun damage; eat foods such as berries and leafy greens to get in your antioxidants. Sensitive Skin The sensitive skin around the eyes also needs to be protected more in the spring. Many people make the mistake of thinking they don't need their sunglasses yet in the spring, and the skin under your eyes suffers. Creating a simple eye cream with shea butter and frankincense essential oil will keep that delicate portion of the skin in peak condition.

Skincare in The Summer Sun Care Summer is the time to really pay attention to the effects that the sun has on your skin. Carrot seed oil, raspberry seed oil, coconut oil and sesame seed oil work relatively well as natural alternatives to conventional sunscreen.

Moisturise The extra heat can also be drying to the skin, so make sure that you have a good moisturiser handy. Coconut oil works well to keep your skin hydrated. If you normally have acne-prone or oily skin, opt for adding just a few drops of coconut oil to another moisturiser instead of applying it to your whole face. This will ensure that you are getting the proper amount of moisture to your skin and keeping it from drying it from the intense heat or overly zealous air conditioning.

Exfoliate Again The autumn season calls for another good round of exfoliation. This is the best time for it because the weather stays in temperatures that are less extreme on either end so a freshly exposed skin on your face won't have as many temperature fluctuations to deal with. Again, a natural, homemade scrub is the easiest and least toxic one to use. Make sure to add some moisture back in along with the scrub. The best way is to add a super moisturising oil, such as grapeseed oil, into your scrub. Don't just limit exfoliating to your face either, your whole body needs it during these months.

Masking A good step to add to a beauty routine during the fall is masking. Masks will deliver a lot of nutrients, vitamins, and benefits to your skin and will help prep your skin for the coming winter months. Make sure to choose masks with ingredients that are

Skincare in The Winter More Moisture The cold winter months call for lots and lots of moisture. Continue using a moisturising agent on your skin, such as coconut oil, and even up the amount if you live in a particularly cold region. Make sure to treat your whole body to moisture because even with layers on the cold air will penetrate and affect every bit of skin. Add extra moisture at night to keep skin hydrated and ready to go in the morning. Vitamin A Winter is also a good time to increase your application of Vitamin A or retinol. This anti-aging ingredient is great to use to keep the skin in peak condition, but it tends to be photosensitive so using it during months when the sun isn't out as much is best.

You can find retinol, vitamin A, in many products, but a simple way to add in Vitamin A is to use rosehip seed oil. A great source of Vitamin A, this oil can be added to your skincare routine during the winter months. It is best applied at night, to limit its exposure to the sun, and only every other day to let your body get acclimated to it.

The skin takes time to adjust to things just like the rest of your body does. Natural skin care is better and less toxic for your skin, even though it might take longer to take effect. Continue with the skin care ingredients and products that you see are working for your skin type.

Consider Your Skin Type and Preferences Once you have cleaned out your bathroom and are ready to start fresh, you will need to think about what you really need for your skin. Consider what your skin type is to start with, such as dry, oily, or combination skin. This can determine what ingredients to look for in your skincare products. For example, if you have oily skin, you want to be careful with how much oil (even natural oil) is in your products. With dry skin, look for natural oils like coconut or argan oil. You can talk to your dermatologist if you aren’t sure what skin type you have. Another consideration is looking at any skin conditions you have, such as rosacea, eczema, or psoriasis. Certain ingredients don’t react well with some types of skin conditions, so be careful with the products you choose.

Try Some DIY Skincare Products There are a lot of amazing store-bought products by natural skincare companies, but you might want to make your own products. As mentioned in a previous chapter, there are a lot of great products you can make, including lotions, cleansers, masks, and serums. We discussed some products that use essential oils, but that is definitely not all you can use for these products. Here is a list of natural ingredients that work great in DIY skincare products: • Baking soda • Raw honey • Sugar – white and brown • Salt – Himalayan pink sea salt, regular table salt • Fruit – avocados, bananas, etc